Changes in cortical dopamine D1 receptor binding associated with cognitive training

Science. 2009 Feb 6;323(5915):800-2. doi: 10.1126/science.1166102.

Abstract

Working memory is a key function for human cognition, dependent on adequate dopamine neurotransmission. Here we show that the training of working memory, which improves working memory capacity, is associated with changes in the density of cortical dopamine D1 receptors. Fourteen hours of training over 5 weeks was associated with changes in both prefrontal and parietal D1 binding potential. This plasticity of the dopamine D1 receptor system demonstrates a reciprocal interplay between mental activity and brain biochemistry in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism*
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Parietal Lobe / metabolism
  • Prefrontal Cortex / metabolism
  • Receptors, Dopamine D1 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism
  • Regression Analysis
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Receptors, Dopamine D1
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2
  • Dopamine